South Carolina CNA Certification

Certified nursing assistants provide patient care under the direction of a registered nurse or licensed practical nurse for hospitals, hospices and home health agencies all over the United States. The care a CNA provides for patients include assistance with dressing and grooming, getting in and out of bed and moving about. The nursing assistant also helps to feed patients and clean the room. In South Carolina, CNAs must meet state requirements to work in the state as a certified nursing assistant.

Training

Certified nursing assistant applicants must complete an 80-hour training program to qualify for the state examination in South Carolina. Training programs consist of coursework in basic nursing skills, safety procedures, infection control, caring for patient personal hygiene and communication skills. Certified nursing assistant training programs are available at technical, vocational and community colleges.

Background Check

South Carolina requires certified nursing assistants to have a criminal background check. The South Carolina State Law Enforcement Division conducts the background check for CNA candidates in the state.

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Examination

The examination for nursing assistants in South Carolina consists of a written test and practical skills evaluation. The CNA written examination has 70 multiple-choice questions, which evaluate the knowledge of the nursing assistant. The practical portion of the CNA examination consists of five nursing assistant duties the applicant must complete to pass the test. The written questions consist of topics such as physical care skills, psychosocial care skills and the role of the nurse assistant.

Registry

The name of the CNA is placed on the South Carolina Nurse Aide Registry within 10 days of passing the examination. The nursing assistant will remain on the registry for a period of two years. The certified nursing assistant must inform the registry through Pearson VUE of name and address changes. Failing to change the address on the registry may result in delays in receiving notification of renewal. The CNA must provide documentation such as a marriage certificate or divorce decree to change the name on the registry. The documentation must be notarized.

Recertification

Certified nursing assistants in South Carolina must recertify every two years. The state requires the nursing assistant to have worked in the position for pay for a minimum of eight hours in the two-year period.